Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 330: Reinforcements

Chapter 330: Reinforcements

As they approached the massive mountain range that divided the Monsoon Continent from the Asani Continent, a subtle easing of tension spread through the group. The familiar terrain brought a measure of comfort. The battle was over for now, but they knew the war was far from finished.

"We’ll rest once we’ve reached the peak of the mountain range," Jormungandr stated, his gaze fixed ahead. "Stay vigilant until then."

The group pressed on, navigating rugged paths and steep inclines. The setting sun cast long shadows over the landscape, but their pace did not falter. Each step carried them further from the immediate threat of the hive.

As they approached the ridge’s peak, Freya paused, glancing over her shoulder at the distant horizon. "Do you think Vlad is okay?" she asked quietly. The viking princess could not hide the worry in her eyes.

Jormungandr looked back briefly. "If anyone can handle what’s out there, it’s Boss," he replied, a note of confidence in his voice.

Suddenly, Jormungandr’s eyes narrowed as his A.I. Chip detected tens of thousands of life forms just beyond the mountain’s peak, hidden from sight. Instead of alarm, a wide smile appeared on his face.

"Good, they’re already in position," The small yellow cat spoke with a sense of thrill.

His words puzzled the group, but he offered no explanation, simply signaling them to continue. As they reached the summit, a breathtaking vista unfolded before them. Below, thousands of warriors stood in formation, waiting. Smiles spread across the faces of the group as they saw the reinforcements.

Viserin’s heart swelled with pride as he recognized twenty thousand soldiers of the Turkin Kingdom standing at attention. Among them, clad in battle-worn armor, was General Mark. The sight of his trusted general brought the Turkin King much-needed relief.

Though the Turkin army was large, the most imposing force was unmistakably the Golden Wave Legion. Clad in gleaming golden armor, their presence radiated an intense aura that seemed to chill the very air around them. Leading them was a massive golden giant towering over ten meters tall.

Jormungandr was not surprised by their arrival. Vlad’s orders were absolute, and Grand Marshal Anglius’ loyalty was unwavering. However, he was pleased to see they had arrived so quickly.

As soon as Jormungandr and his group became visible, Grand Marshal Anglius and General Mark made their way toward them. It wasn’t long before the two leaders stood before the arriving party.

"Lord Jormungandr, Lady Freya," Grand Marshal Anglius bowed respectfully to the small yellow cat and the viking princess, then nodded to Ouroboros and the Royal Guards, his sharp eyes assessing the situation. "The main force of the Golden Wave Legion is here. The rest of our recruits are securing the eastern border of Constantine Country, as the Overlord instructed."

Jormungandr nodded, satisfied. The Golden Wave Legion, composed mostly of Champions from both the Level System and the Demon Soul Master System, was capable of holding the line against the hive. Sending untrained or weaker soldiers would have only served to strengthen the enemy, so keeping them in the easter border was wise.

General Mark stepped forward and bowed toward Viserin. "My King, I’ve brought our best twenty thousand soldiers. However, this leaves our northern border unguarded. I hope that won’t be an issue."

Viserin’s eyes narrowed in thought. Leaving a border unguarded was dangerous, but the northern border connected with the Xaos Kingdom, whose forces had already entered the Turkin Kingdom as allies. Under the circumstances, redeploying the northern forces was the wisest decision.

"Excellent, General Mark. Your wisdom once again proves invaluable," Viserin said, a hint of approval in his voice.

Mark smiled at the praise but soon hesitated, casting a glance at the massive golden giant standing nearby. The group noticed his unease, and Grand Marshal Anglius stepped forward to clarify the matter.

"By order of the Overlord, we have provided Mortal Tier Demon Cage Runic Formations and sealed demon souls to all twenty thousand Turkin soldiers present," Anglius stated firmly.

Mark sighed, realizing the time had come to address the issue openly. "It’s what they call the Demon Soul Master System, my King. It’s powerful, but some of the soldiers are uneasy about the idea of sealing demons within their hearts."

Viserin’s expression hardened, his tone cold and authoritative. "This is a royal command. All soldiers must seal those demon souls. Anyone who refuses will be seen as defying my authority."

The king’s stern decree momentarily took Mark aback, but he quickly composed himself. A solemn light appeared in his eyes as he asked, "Are the enemies truly that terrifying?"

Viserin’s steady gaze answered the question without words. The gravity in his eyes left no doubt.

"Understood, my King. I will ensure everyone complies with your command," Mark replied, his tone resolute.

Jormungandr, observing the exchange, nodded approvingly at Viserin’s decisiveness. Turning to Grand Marshal Anglius, he asked, "Are there no Champion Tier Demon Cage Runic Formations available?"

The golden giant’s eyes narrowed slightly at the question. Providing Mortal Tier formations was one thing, but offering Champion Tier formations was an entirely different matter.

If anyone else had asked this question in front of forces outside the Xaos Kingdom, Grand Marshal Anglius would have refused to answer. But Jormungandr, as the second in command of the Xaos Kingdom, held a unique authority, especially in Vlad’s absence.

"Overlord is able to produce a small amount each week, Lord Jormungandr, and they are being sent to our forces on the eastern and western borders," Anglius responded, his words carrying a hidden message: the Champion Tier formations were reserved for their own elite troops and the kingdom’s continued expansion.

Jormungandr nodded, understanding the subtext. The Champion Tier formations were indeed valuable, and deploying them in the right areas was essential for maintaining the balance of power.

"I assume you have already put in place a communication tower? I need to speak to Overlord as soon as possible." The small yellow cat did not want to make a rash decision and wanted to have a clear picture of the current state of the Xaos Kingdom before making a choice.